Ballerin

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Ballerin
  • Irish: Baile Uí Shírín / Baile Iarainn
Ballerin Catholic church
Ballerin is located in Northern Ireland
Ballerin
Ballerin
Location within Northern Ireland
• Belfast54 mi (87 km)
District
County
CountryNorthern Ireland
Sovereign stateUnited Kingdom
Post townCOLERAINE
Postcode districtBT51
Dialling code028, +44 28
List of places
UK
Northern Ireland
County Londonderry
55°01′11″N 6°44′17″W / 55.019808°N 6.738°W / 55.019808; -6.738

Ballerin is a small village between Garvagh and Ringsend in County Londonderry, Northern Ireland. It is located within Causeway Coast and Glens district. It includes Saint Columba's Catholic primary school and Saint Mary's Catholic church.

Name[edit]

The village lies within a townland that has a similar name. The village's name is usually spelt Ballerin, while the townland's name is usually spelt Boleran. Earlier spellings of these names include Ballyerin (1654) and Ballyirin (1613). All are believed to come from Irish Baile Uí Shírín 'Ó Shírín's townland/settlement'.[1][2] However, the local Gaelic Athletic Association club uses the Irish name Baile Iarainn,[3] meaning "townland/settlement of iron".

Parish[edit]

Ballerin is in Errigal civil parish and St Mary's is in the Derry Diocese, covering about half the Catholic parish of Garvagh.[4]

Sport[edit]

Ballerin is the focal point for a number of sports in the area including Errigal Boxing Club, Irish Dancing, indoor bowling, Camogie and Gaelic games.[3]

References[edit]